The very recent decision to suspend The Episcopal Church will have no direct impact on the policies and practices regarding marriage in this diocese.
I write in response to action taken by the Anglican Primates, meeting in Canterbury, England last week, in voting by majority to suspend The Episcopal Church from full participation in the Anglican Communion for a period of three years.
Recognizing that the Primates’ action raises questions about the impact of their decision on the Episcopal Church at large and individual dioceses, I offer the following brief comments.
Concerning the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, while I value deeply the mission network of the Anglican Communion, and pray for the leaders, I can assure you that the very recent decision to suspend The Episcopal Church will have no direct impact on the policies and practices regarding marriage in this diocese. We will continue to make the Celebration and Blessing of Marriage available in a fully inclusive and equal manner as authorized by the canons of The Episcopal Church.
Concerning The Episcopal Church, our Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies have both made clear, consistent and unequivocal statements of assurance that decisions supporting full inclusion and equality in marriage for all people; i.e., the canonical revisions passed at this past summer’s General Convention, are not up for reconsideration and revision. They stand as they are and will remain so.
Guided by our Baptismal Covenant, may we strive unceasingly to “. . . seek and serve Christ in all persons . . . and respect the dignity of every human being” in all that we do in Christ’s name.
Please join me in praying for clarity, unity and strength in carrying out God’s mission in this diocese, The Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Communion.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
James E. Waggoner, Jr., Bishop
Episcopal Diocese of Spokane
